ANOTHER DIPLOMATIC AMBUSH—WITH EVEN LESS VERACITY
I SUPPOSE WE CANNOT EXPECT BULLYING BY A QUEENS FELON to include a modicum of truth—but Geez. Trump already had his mind, such as it exists, made up on the … Continue reading
TRUMP’S WORDS OF OPPRESSION—ETYMOLOGY PART 2
YESTERDAY WE BEGAN ANALYSES of the Trump administration’s means of oppression. Today in Part 2 we focus on propaganda as a tool, retribution as a goal, and an easy catch-all … Continue reading
TRUMP’S WORDS OF OPPRESSION—ETYMOLOGY PART 1
SOME OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S WORDS OF OPPRESSION are corruptions of previously lofty ones: diversity, equity, inclusion are paramount among these. Others are contortions of obscure legalities: misapplying the rarely … Continue reading
DO PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD—FOR SOCIETAL AWARENESS
“FEARLESS. IRONIC. SUPERCOOL. BORDERLINE ESOTERIC. BRILLIANTLY OBSERVED. It is difficult to encapsulate provocateurs Martin Hablesreiter and Sonja Stummerer.” This, from their YouTube intro. “The couple,” it recounts, “were practising architects … Continue reading
THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS MATTER PART 2
YESTERDAY BEGAN THIS ANALYSIS of Trump’s firings at the Library of Congress. Today in Part 2, George Saunders continues his New York Times Guest Essay “Shame on the White House.” … Continue reading
THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS MATTER PART 1
I HAD INTENDED TO BEGIN THIS WITH “You Jackass! It’s the Library of Congress—not of the Executive Branch.” Upon researching the matter, though, I found that indeed the President likely … Continue reading
ORSON WELLES ON DIRECTING PART 2
YESTERDAY, PART 1 SET THE STAGE for Orson Welles sharing his views on directing. Here in Part 2, he shares some history, more than a few opinions, and many insights … Continue reading
ORSON WELLES ON DIRECTING PART 1
LAST TUESDAY, MAY 6, WAS ORSON WELLES’ BIRTHDAY. A capsule retrospective on Sirius “Radio Classics” encouraged me to learn more about this genius of theater, radio, and film. Of special … Continue reading
ALAS, KISS OFF VOICE OF AMERICA
WE COULD HAVE SEEN THIS COMING: David Folkenflik reports in NPR, May 7, 2025, “Kari Lake Says OAN‘s Far-Right Coverage Will Fuel Voice of America.” What’s worse, see below for … Continue reading
ON PAGANISM VERSUS HUMANISM
DAVID BROOKS OFFERS AN OPINION PIECE “How to Survive the Trump Years With Your Spirit Intact,” The New York Times, May 1, 2025. Here are tidbits gleaned from his thoughtful … Continue reading
Simanaitis Says 